Beautyberry

Callicarpa americana L.

cal-lee-CAR-pah  a-mer-ah-CANE-a

Verbenaceae

Explanation of name: Callicarpa, Greek for beauty and fruit, americana, American (WA1)

Natural range: S.E.U.S., and Florida hammocks and woodlands

Recognition: Colorful native shrub when in fruit. Leaves rough, opposite, serrate, light green, up to 6” long, and held by fuzzy petioles. Flowers in the spring, small lilac clusters around the stem, which attract butterflies. Fruits purple, shiny, pea-sized, clustered along the stem, often visible year-round. There is a white-fruited var. alba Rehd. The fruit attracts wildlife.

Landscape uses: Specimen or massed shrub valued for broad tolerances and for showy purple fruits. Great for a native or wildlife garden.